Common Misconceptions About Clinical Waste

Myth vs Reality A quick look at the biggest misconceptions about clinical waste. Learn why accurate waste segregation is always essential, why assumptions or past habits can’t replace clear guidance, and how following proper disposal protocols makes environments safer, more compliant, and more efficient for everyone.

Myth	The Truth / Evidence	Explanation
All clinical waste is infectious	Only waste contaminated with bodily fluids, cultures or tissues qualifies as infectious clinical waste.	Much clinical waste is non-infectious (e.g., absorbent dressings without visible contamination) and follows different disposal routes.
Sharps can go into any yellow bin	Sharps must be placed in rigid, puncture-resistant containers compliant with BS 7320 and UN standards.	Loose sharps endanger handlers and waste collectors if not in approved sharps bins.
Orange bags are only for anatomical waste	Orange bags cover a range of clinical waste including infectious dressings, bodily fluids and anatomical waste.	Colour coding differentiates between waste types but orange covers several infectious categories, not just anatomical.
All staff can compact clinical waste	Compaction of infectious or hazardous waste is prohibited by the Environmental Protection Regulations 2010.	Compaction can rupture packaging, causing spills and cross-contamination.
Clinical waste isn’t regulated for transport	Clinical waste is classified as hazardous under ADR regulations and requires specific labelling and documentation.	Transport of hazardous waste mandates consignment notes and vehicle fittings to prevent environmental harm.
Non-sharp items in sharps bins are okay	Sharps bins are exclusively for needles, scalpels and breakable items; no non-sharp waste permitted.	Mixing waste types undermines segregation and may clog or overload sharps containers.
Yellow lidded bins are for general waste	Yellow lidded bins with biohazard symbols are for infectious clinical waste only.	Using these for general waste can over-classify harmless rubbish, increasing disposal costs.